There is no denying it MAC is the place for foundation. However it is not just about choosing the right shade of foundation but the right texture of foundation for our skin type, that affects its overall staying power and the finish you are looking for.
For years I was wedded to my MAC studio fix foundation but found only a few hours later the foundation simply melted off my skin, no matter how much primer I used beforehand. When I spoke to a MAC consultant I was given a straightforward explanation that my skin is normal/dry and after much testing out of different foundations, it was the MAC match master foundation ended up being the best one for me. *So after much research and thought I have decided to do a breakdown of MAC foundations for different skin types as a guide if you are looking to try something new. MAC foundation is best paired with a makeup primer to make the effect last longer and smoother. HairAndMakeupGirl has listed the top drugstore face primers that you can check out
The MAC Pro Longwear Foundation is indeed as its name suggests, and is the foundation of choice for many a makeup pro and makeup artist. The foundation itself has a huge 15 hours wear, and the longest-lasting of all MAC foundations. This means that it's also resistant to sweat and humidity, making it a great choice to use if you are heading somewhere warm this summer. You can count on mega influencer Huda Kattan to come up with a foundation that is like a hard 'reset' on your skin tone. Like spackle, (but way more comfortable), this truly full coverage.
*Please be aware the shades can vary between each product i.e an NC42 in Mineralize Skinfinish may be different to the NC42 in the Studio Fix. So, therefore, it is advisable to try out different shades to ensure a proper match. Also do step out into the natural daylight with a mirror before purchasing to ensure the Mac foundation has blended well against your neck, forehead and chin to ensure you don't look ashy, or too orange! A foundation is not the right shade for you if you look ashy, orange or slightly grey. You will also want to take a look at our new article: MAC Lipsticks – The Breakdown and the best beauty advent calendars as these make ideal gifts for friends and family.Combination Oily- Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 £21.50
MAC's Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is perfect for combination and oilier skin types. The foundation is oil-free which means it will not clog pores. On drier skin types (such as mine) the foundation may feel too heavy and may not have the desired staying power.
Dry combination- Pro Longwear Fluid Foundation SPF10 £25.00
Pro Long wear foundation is good for dry combination skin that is particularly sensitive to climate change. The Pro Longwear foundation is less heavy than the studio fix and provides up to 15 hours of wear. The foundation provides a more sheer/medium coverage which is great if you want a more dewy look than a matte finish.
Very oily- Pro Longwear Compact Foundation
Mac has recently come out with a Pro Longwear compact foundation. The texture is more creamy (similar to the Studio Tech) however this product is more suitable for oily skin as it can look too cakey on drier skins.
Acne Prone/ Scarred skin- Full Coverage Foundation
If your skin has suffered from acne, scarring or from severe hyperpigmentation the full coverage formula may be the best one for you. The texture is very thick, however, you can apply it with a brush or with a sponge in order to concentrate on blemished areas and to build up the coverage to suit your liking. The foundation also doubles up as a concealer too which is an added bonus.
The MAC Pro Longwear Foundation is indeed as its name suggests, and is the foundation of choice for many a makeup pro and makeup artist. The foundation itself has a huge 15 hours wear, and the longest-lasting of all MAC foundations. This means that it's also resistant to sweat and humidity, making it a great choice to use if you are heading somewhere warm this summer. You can count on mega influencer Huda Kattan to come up with a foundation that is like a hard 'reset' on your skin tone. Like spackle, (but way more comfortable), this truly full coverage.
*Please be aware the shades can vary between each product i.e an NC42 in Mineralize Skinfinish may be different to the NC42 in the Studio Fix. So, therefore, it is advisable to try out different shades to ensure a proper match. Also do step out into the natural daylight with a mirror before purchasing to ensure the Mac foundation has blended well against your neck, forehead and chin to ensure you don't look ashy, or too orange! A foundation is not the right shade for you if you look ashy, orange or slightly grey. You will also want to take a look at our new article: MAC Lipsticks – The Breakdown and the best beauty advent calendars as these make ideal gifts for friends and family.Combination Oily- Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 £21.50
MAC's Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is perfect for combination and oilier skin types. The foundation is oil-free which means it will not clog pores. On drier skin types (such as mine) the foundation may feel too heavy and may not have the desired staying power.
Dry combination- Pro Longwear Fluid Foundation SPF10 £25.00
Pro Long wear foundation is good for dry combination skin that is particularly sensitive to climate change. The Pro Longwear foundation is less heavy than the studio fix and provides up to 15 hours of wear. The foundation provides a more sheer/medium coverage which is great if you want a more dewy look than a matte finish.
Very oily- Pro Longwear Compact Foundation
Mac has recently come out with a Pro Longwear compact foundation. The texture is more creamy (similar to the Studio Tech) however this product is more suitable for oily skin as it can look too cakey on drier skins.
Acne Prone/ Scarred skin- Full Coverage Foundation
If your skin has suffered from acne, scarring or from severe hyperpigmentation the full coverage formula may be the best one for you. The texture is very thick, however, you can apply it with a brush or with a sponge in order to concentrate on blemished areas and to build up the coverage to suit your liking. The foundation also doubles up as a concealer too which is an added bonus.
Dry skin- MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15 £25.00
The gel-based formula blends perfectly on drier skin types and creates a beautiful satin finish. The sculpt is also good for mature skin too. This product is one of Mac's best sellers.
Very dry dehydrated/ sensitive skin- MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation, Compact or Loose Powder SPF15 RRP £28.00
Mac's Mineralize range is a gentle formula blended with 77 minerals, plus vitamin E and shea butter which creates a dewy effect on dry and sensitive skin and also helps to even out skin tone. The foundation is lightweight yet buildable which is great for those who want a lighter coverage. The mineralize range comes in either a fluid, compact or loose powder depending on your preference.
Normal Skin- Face and Body Foundation Convert mpeg to mp4 mac free.
If you are one of the few lucky people (like my sister) who have normal skin without a blemish in sight then the Face and Body foundation may be the best one for you. The face and body foundation provides a low to medium coverage, which you can build depending on the occasion. One of the good things about this product is that it comes in a 120ml size (one of the biggest sizes of foundation on the market) so you can get a lot for your money.
Normal/Dry- Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 £28.00
I have been using this foundation for three months and I love it. The matchmaster range uses a shade intelligence technology to match areas of uneven skin-tone i.e. forehead and chin without looking ashy. The fluid blends well into my normal/dry skin to keep it looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. Is mac os sierra 64 bit. Another bonus is that the foundation comes in a generous 35ml, which is 5ml more than the Studio Fix or Pro Longwear.
All skin types – MAC Studio Fix powder plus foundation £21.50
This product is another one of my faves. The compact delivers a full coverage which glides on with a velvety matte finish without looking cakey. The powder is triple-milled so it allows the skin to breathe. Another good thing is that the compact comes with a sponge and mirror so you can fit nicely in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.
We've done the hard work for you and listed all your MAC Makeup products which you can Buy at John Lewis or Shop other beauty products here.
Getting your dream flawless skin can be hard if you're not using the right foundation. There are foundations that make your skin look dry, rub off on clothing, or worse make you look 'orange'. This can be given solution by choosing the right coverage that's works best for you.
In makeup, coverage refers to a foundation's ability to cover and conceal imperfections.
There are four types of foundation coverage: medium, light, sheer and full coverage.
This guide will help you choose the best full coverage foundation that will match your skin tone and make you look your best.
Tips Before Purchasing a Full-Coverage Foundation
- Pick a full-coverage foundation that contains up to 35 percent pigment.
- Match your skin color and tone before picking a shade for your foundation. Full-coverage foundation will give you a smooth layer above your skin so you have to blend it in your natural skin tone.
- Pick a foundation shade that will disappear onto your skin and won't settle fine lies or highlight your pores. If it's allowed make sure that you try the product before buying, if not you can ask a salesperson to help you choose one for your skin.
- Pick dewy foundations for normal and dry skin while matte foundations for those with oily skin.
- Don't use full coverage if your skin is near to perfect. Simply use BB creams or tinted moisturizers.
Top 10 Full Coverage Foundations Chart
Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
1. Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 Evens and Corrects 02 Fair | Matte Foundation and Concealer | $$$ | 4.6 | |
2. L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup | Liquid Foundation | $ | 4.4 | |
3. glominerals gloProtective Liquid Foundation Satin II Honey-Light | Liquid Foundation | $$ | 4.4 | |
4. Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation, Soft Beige | Matte Foundation | $ | 4.4 | |
5. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, Ivory 805 | Matte Foundation | $ | 4.3 | |
6. L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup, Classic Ivory | Matte Foundation | $ | 4.3 | |
7. Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation | Liquid Foundation | $$$ | 4.3 | |
8. LORAC POREfection Foundation | Matte Foundation | $$$ | 4.1 | |
9. Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Foundation | Matte Foundation | $ | 4.0 | |
10. Christian Dior Skin Airflash Spray Foundation 300, Medium Beige | Airflash Spray Foundation | $$$$ | 4.0 |
How to Pick the Right Foundation Color for Your Skin
Choosing the right tone for your skin complexion can be tricky. There are lots of ranges of shades in every kind of foundation and finding the right one for your skin is critical for it to work and blend well.
First, you have to know your undertone and your skin's shade. Skin complexion may vary but a person's undertone is always constant. Here's how to determine your undertone:
- People with rosy skin or those who have flushed pink colors while out in the sun have cool undertones. Their veins are mostly blue on skin and they look great in silver jewelry. They will look best with a foundation that has a redder or blue base.
- People with yellow, bronze, or olive complexions have warmer undertones. Their under veins will look mostly green and look great in gold jewelry. They will look best in foundations with gold or yellow base, and should consider shades in chestnut, caramel, beige, or gold.
- People who have a combination of complexions tend to have neutral undertones. They should consider shades in nude, praline, or ivory.
After determining your undertone, next would be to find out your skin type. There are six kinds of skin types:
- Normal Skin. People with normal skin tone has smooth looking skin that can react to changes in environment. (Oily in Summer and dry in Winter).
- Dry Skin. Feels and looks dry to touch. Can also turn flaky some days. Dry skin may occur naturally but are also caused by sensitivity to skin care products. For dry skin, it's best to use light coverage hydrating foundations.
- Oily Skin. Starts the day looking fresh but eventually looks slick and shiny by noon. To lessen the shine, it's best to use medium to full coverage foundation for oily skin.
- Sensitive Skin. People with sensitive skin get blotchy or red when in contact with makeup products. For acne-prone skins, its best to use dermatologically tested medium to full coverage foundations.
- Combination Skin. People with a combination skin type can have oiliness in the T-zone are and have normal or dry skin different parts of the face. Combination skin types will look great using medium to full coverage foundations.
- Aging Skin. Mature women can have fine lines and wrinkles on their face. To reduce their visibility, it's wise to use light coverage liquid foundations or tinted moisturizers that makes for young and luminous looking skin.
Top 5 Best Full Coverage Foundation Reviews
1. Clinique Even Better Makeup
Looking for the best foundation that is dermatologist tested, smooth on face, and helps undo damage on facial skin? Look no further. Clinique Even Better Makeup foundation is a Matte foundation that is best for ladies with oily skin type. It weighs 2.1 ounces, and is available in 30 different color shades that match every skin tone well.
This foundation is known for improving skin quality making it clearer and more radiant with every use. It's also great for covering blemishes, freckles, and imperfections. With a soft matte finish, this foundation creates a natural look even in bright lights. The colors are awesome as they have almost everything for light and dark skin tones.
Clinique Ever Better Makeup is the best full coverage foundation that's dermatologist-developed which means it uses naturally luminous materials that brightens and evens out skin-tone without the risk of irritating skin. You can use this foundation on a hot sunny day as it has SPF15 protection. This foundation uses broad spectrum SPF that protects against future darkening and works best with Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector and Clinique Makeup Remover.
2. L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift
L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift is the first ever anti-wrinkle foundation enriched with serum, giving you the best immediate result for smoother and better skin. It corrects pigments and unifies skin tone making your skin look radiant and oil-free.
With daily use, this foundation's advanced age-reversing formula can make your skin look younger and fresher-looking. It has up to 24 hour hydration along with a light fluid texture that blends easily on any skin complexion though users complain that it doesn't last up to 24 hours. It's very lightweight as you don't almost feel the cream on your face. Sometimes your pores may look emphasized especially if it wears out mid-afternoon and you don't re-apply.
Its the best full coverage foundation that has a soft matte finish that can be used for light to medium coverage. It suits normal, sensitive, and mature skin type. Just a small drop from the pump and this foundation will cover and spread easily on your face. It won't look cakey or oxidized like other brands of foundations. The best thing about L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift is its gentle formula that doesn't provide any irritating ingredients.
3. GloMinerals glo Protective Liquid Foundation
Use Glo Mineral's protective liquid foundation if you want healthy, radiant and pinkish glowing skin. It covers well and makes your other makeup like highlighters and lipsticks stand out without looking cakey. GloMinerals contains antioxidants, caviar extract, and a broad spectrum of UVB and UVA protection. So it doesn't just make your skin look nice, it also protects and nourishes it.
Glo Mineral's Protective Liquid Foundation has a very high coverage that makes it suitable for people with skin problems. The foundation has oil-free and matte finish formula, which is great for women with acne problem or those whose face gets really oily all the time. It can also hide various spots and marks and makes your skin look relatively natural.
This foundation has a thick texture and is more concentrated than other liquid foundations. It's recommended to use a beauty blender for this foundation to be easily applied. Great with natural light, this foundation can cover any hyper-pigmentation and will give the right finish and coverage for your skin type.
4. Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Mac Heavy Coverage Foundation Makeup
Matte foundations are girl's best friends when they want full coverage all day makeups. Rimmel Stay Matte foundation is a very thick foundation that has a great coverage of medium to full coverage. Rimmel does not have SPF, which means it doesn't leave a white cast when used with flash photography.
People with bright red skin or those with huge pores can benefit from this full coverage foundation. And even with a small pea size amount, it can cover a good portion of your face. It provides one of the best base contours that provide long-lasting quality. Rimmel Stay Matte foundation is available in 11 shades and will minimize the appearance of pores, and gives you a smooth looking skin all day long.
Unlike other glow or sheer makeup, this foundation delivers a natural soft matte finish that helps control shine. The only thing that might put you off in this foundation is its heavy feel (when used as full coverage) which might seem like you're wearing a mask on. Despite being one of the best full coverage foundation, Rimmel Stay Matte is a little cakey and may cling into drier areas, such as the nose.
5. Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
Mac Full Coverage Foundation Reviews
Cover Girl's Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation is a very lightweight foundation offering long-lasting wear that keeps your beauty look great even after long hours of using. This foundation is fused with the smooth finish of a primer, targeted coverage of a concealer, and the bendability of liquid foundations. It feels very light on skin and doesn't look shiny or oily.
Available in 14 shades, this foundation can match any kind of skin complexion. It comes with a pump applicator, which makes it easy for women to apply on their face. The only thing that might turn you off in this foundation is its finish which might be a little cakey for some but it still offers a good full coverage which can even out your skin tone and make your skin look perfect.
Compared with other foundation, the consistency of this product is much lighter, and its coating isn't too thick or suffocating upon application. It has a softer fragrance that smells 'clean' and lets you feel fresh after application. The scent also subsides a few minutes after application.